Alternaria • Alternaria \al’ter-nā’rē-ă\
Molds
Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; allergic asthma; atopic dermatitis
Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms; eczema
Physical description: Fast-growing; typically black to olivaceous-black or greyish in color; suede-like to floccose in texture
Environmental factors: Predominantly an outdoor allergen; commonly found on vegetation and in the soil; disperses through the air with ease; highest concentrations are detected during dry, windy conditions between spring and late fall
Cross-reactivity: Allergic exposure commonly occurs with the Alternaria Alternata species; however, cross-reactivity is common among all species of the Alternaria genus
References
- “Alternaria.”The Free Dictionary. https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Alternaria
- “Alternaria: A Well Recognized Allergy Causing Fungus…” MoldBacteria.com. https://www.moldbacteria.com/mold/alternaria.html
- “Alternaria.” Mycology Online. https://mycology.adelaide.edu.au/descriptions/hyphomycetes/alternaria/
- “Dustborne Alternaria alternata antigens in U.S. homes: Results from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing.” J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Sep; 116(3): 623–629. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1635967/
Did You Know?
Potato, tomato, and brassica growers won’t be especially fond of Alternaria, as it can commonly lead to “leaf spot,” a disease characterized by small, dark circles on vegetation.
